As Zambia rallies to achieve epidemic control by 2030, the need for innovative and inclusive strategies is more crucial than ever. These strategies are vital to ensure no one is left behind in accessing comprehensive HIV services.

In complementing the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) response to the HIV pandemic, the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), in collaboration with the MoH, Ministry of Home Affairs and Community Partners, has been conducting a series of Index Testing and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) training for community mobilisers in Lusaka, who have been identified as crucial partners in extending comprehensive HIV services to underserved populations.

These trainings, conducted under CIDRZ’s PROUDZ program with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are aimed at building the capacity of community mobilisers in linking people at high risk of HIV and victims of GBV to institutions providing services.

CIDRZ’s Chama Mulubwa said the training is meant to enhance the ongoing social network strategy aimed at tracking and preventing new HIV infections and reducing the prevalence of GBV through effective case finding.

“Once identified, we need to track their partners and their children so that they are all placed either on comprehensive HIV treatment or HIV prevention services depending on their status,” she said.

Lyness Mwambanabantu, a facilitator from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, reemphasised the importance of the training, noting that the government did not want to leave anyone behind in the fight against HIV and GBV. She urged community mobilisers to be ambassadors of hope, providing people with information and linking them to relevant institutions where they can be helped.

Meanwhile, Musonda Mulopa, the community liaison officer who participated in the training, said it had empowered her with crucial knowledge that would benefit her community. “This training has empowered me with a lot of information on HIV and GBV. I will go back to my community and engage them more using the information imparted to me. With such training and programs coming forth, we will achieve the HIV targets of 95-95-95.” she said.